For up-to-date information, please click here: https://wilmettestreetscape.com/.

Meeting #3 Update

At the May 3, 2017 Municipal Services Committee meeting, TranSystems, the Village’s Phase I consultant, gave a presentation that focused on optional roadway configurations and back-in diagonal parking in the downtown. The presentation can be viewed here.

There were 77 residents and business owners who signed the attendance roster, many of whom spoke during the public comment periods. After reviewing the presentation details and listening to public comments the Committee determined the following:

1. Back-in Diagonal Parking in the Downtown: Consensus was not to implement back-in diagonal parking in the downtown. There was considerable support by the business community to leave the diagonal parking as it currently exists.
2. Roadway Geometry (Vehicular, parking and/or bike lanes): Consensus was Option 1, which is to rebuild Central Avenue without bike lanes or shared bike/travel lanes and maintain parking on both sides of the street. The residents who reside on Central Avenue expressed concern with the loss of parking and safety associated with busses, cars and bikes on Central.

The Village received numerous emailed comments on the Central Avenue project in advance of the MSC meeting. The comments are summarized here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON FUTURE NOTICES:  In order to save cost and be more environmentally conscientious, we will no longer be sending individual mailings.  Future information on the Central Avenue Project, including meeting notices, will be posted electronically through Wilmette’s electronic news outlet “E-NEWS”.  You may subscribe here https://goo.gl/92B3CB.  Be sure to check the box titled “Central Avenue Project Updates”.  Please contact me at 847.853.7627 or bergerb@wilmette.com if you do not have computer access and would like to continue to receive updates in the mail.

Meeting #2 Update: The second public meeting to discuss the proposed improvements to the Central Avenue corridor between Green Bay Road and Sheridan Road was held on April 6th at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall. The Village’s consultant, TranSystems, presented several design options for review and discussion. Their presentation can be viewed here.

We are excited to inform you that the Village of Wilmette is planning comprehensive improvements to the Central Avenue corridor between Green Bay Road and Sheridan Road during the summer of 2020.

In addition to upgrading the aging underground utilities and reconstructing the roadway, this is an opportunity to make Central more functional, sustainable, safe, beautiful, and user-friendly for all modes of transportation. The scope of work includes new curbs and gutters, minor drainage improvements, a new water main, combined sewer repairs, and roadway reconstruction. In addition, pedestrian and bikeway improvements will be considered. The project is primarily financed with federal funding, and final design elements are contingent on state and federal approval.

The corridor serves homeowners, businesses, Central Elementary School, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit – all important project stakeholders – and we’re looking for your input to help shape a new vision for Central Avenue. All stakeholders are encouraged to offer their ideas and preferences.

Topics to Consider
Some of the topics we are seeking your input on are:

How to Provide Input
If you are unable to attend the Municipal Services Committee Meeting on April 6th, comments can be e-mailed to central@wilmette.com, mailed, or hand delivered to the Village.

Please feel free to contact Brigitte Berger, Director of Engineering and Public Works, at (847) 853-7627 or bergerb@wilmette.com with any questions.

Meet the Engineering Team
In May 2016, the Village Board awarded a contract to TranSystems (Schaumburg, IL) for the Central Avenue Phase I Engineering Services. TranSystems has successfully performed several projects for the Village in the past, including the Skokie/Hibbard Intersection Improvements (Phase I) and the Sheridan Road Reconstruction Project (Phases II and III). From a technical perspective, TranSystems has vast experience with Phase I studies and they have strong relationships with the staff at IDOT, which is important for federal projects. In addition to submitting the most competitive proposal, TranSystems’ personal approach to stakeholder involvement during the Phase I study was what set them apart from the other firms.

Click here to view the Village Board Memo approving the contract with TranSystems.

TranSystems Proposal for Engineering Design Services - Phase I

More information will be coming soon! Please check back here periodically for updates.